The Department of Home Economics was started in 1913. The department’s
objective was to give training in the economic and scientific administration of
the household. The department was first located in the Natural Science Building
with Mary Elizabeth Edwards as the chair and sole instructor. In 1938, the Home
Living Center was established. This center made the department eligible for
reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917, which provided for secondary
school vocational education in home economics and other fields. The center was
opened on Daly Avenue, in Missoula, Montana, but relocated several times over
the years.

There was a fiscal crisis in higher education in 1987, during which
the Montana Board of Regents voted to eliminate the Department of Home
Economics. The department ceased to exist by the summer of 1989. In the course
of its activities, the Department awarded degrees to over one thousand
students.

The collection contains scrapbooks, photographs, writings, and other
materials from The University of Montana's Department of Home Economics. The
papers include the Home Economic and Home Arts Club minutes and other writings
and publications related to the department. The scrapbooks contain photographs,
clippings, and memorabilia from the Home Living Center and department and
university-related events. The photographs depict the variety of department
activities, from cooking to fashion design. The collection also contains a
short video about Ellen H. Richards and a Betty lamp dedicated in memory of
Dorothy Van Blaricom, who died in 1963.

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and
any other applicable statutes. Copyright to some materials in the collection is
held by The University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], The University of Montana
Department of Home Economics Records, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike
Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.